“In the Chelsea game we made a mistake – a slip – and that can happen to anyone. We just couldn’t find a way to get the goal and that happens.

“As for Crystal Palace, I’ve watched it three times and analysed it and every time I look at it I find it incredible that we ended up drawing.

“It was a real kick in the teeth but we don’t dwell on disappointments. We can only improve from it and we definitely will. We have shown we learn and we will use it as a positive going forward.

“If we win on Sunday and don’t win the league but finish second that means we’ve finished second to the richest and more expensive team in world sport.

“We will have taken them right to the wire. That will be a sign of the remarkable progress we have made this season.”

There is a school of thought that Liverpool’s absence from Europe – coupled with the fact that a number of other top clubs were in transition – meant this season was a one-off opportunity to land the big prize.

Rodgers knows the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United will spend big this summer.

However, the Northern Irishman insists Liverpool will also raise the bar and he’s convinced they will be title contenders once again next term – despite the added demands of Champions League football.

“This is only the beginning for us,” he said. “This season isn’t a one-off. I think there is an easy gauge on that. You only have to look at our progress.

“This will be arguably the best run at a title the club has had for 24 years. Steven Gerrard is 33 years of age and this is the closest he has got to winning it. This is his first real sample of a title run-in and he will be even better next season.

“Think of the experiences these players will have had. Just think what Raheem Sterling is going to be like, what Jon Flanagan is going to be like, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, Philippe Coutinho...

“These are all young players. We are going to improve. Of course I would expect the other teams to spend and improve but we will get better as well.

“History shows you it can be difficult juggling the different competitions but being back in the Champions League is something we will relish. We have shown the significance of our development this season and we will be able to reinforce with quality in the summer. That will push us on again. The supporters have been allowed to dream this year and they will be able to continue doing that because we are going to get better.”

Rodgers has had to lift his side following the agony of Monday night’s clash at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool led 3-0 with 11 minutes but some woeful defending allowed Palace to earn a point. If the Reds do fall short tomorrow it will have been their frailties at the back which will have cost them.

“I probably felt the lowest I’ve ever felt in all my time working in football,” Rodgers added.

“It was awful. You saw the emotion of the supporters after and it was pretty much the same in the dressing room.

“At 3-0 we were so comfortable but we lost our concentration and in the modern game momentum can change fast.

“Their first goal came from a short free-kick where we didn’t the press the ball anywhere near well enough to stop the shot.

“At 3-1 I thought ‘right we will just manage the game out’. But then we make some really poor decisions and all of a sudden from our corner it goes to 3-2.

“I had Daniel Agger warming up ready to come on but before we know it it’s 3-3 due to poor positioning. All the goals were avoidable if your concentration is right. As defenders you can’t play the game on your own. You have to understand the game.

“There are some things a coach can’t give a player. You can do all the work on the training field. But there are things that will happen you haven’t prepared for and you need to be able to adjust and deal with that.”

Jordan Henderson will return to the side tomorrow after serving his three-match ban. The England midfielder has been sorely missed.

“Jordan is a player who has great stature and his game has improved 10 fold," Rodgers added.

“He’s been a really inspirational player for us. Defensively, he’s very good for us because he recovers the ball quickly and presses really well.

"He has that energy and stature. It’s great to have that quality back for our final game.”